Ever feel like just when you finally got your footing, life pulls the rug out from under you? One moment you’re cruising, maybe landed that decent job after uni, handling things after a tough personal time, and the next… boom. It’s a feeling many Singaporeans navigating career pressures and personal challenges know too well.
Life’s Unexpected Curveballs
Many young Singaporeans feel immense pressure to achieve from a young age. After years of studying and finally reaching stability, like getting that first full-time job, unexpected events like parental illness or sudden job loss can feel like a cruel twist. Recent times have seen layoffs and restructuring become more common, catching even high performers off-guard. It’s not unusual to feel like you did everything ‘right’, only for things to unravel, mirroring experiences shared online where stability suddenly vanishes.
“I feel like I’m losing myself again after finally finding stability in life. From young all the way until university, my life was always about stress and pressure, studying, achieving, meeting expectations.”
“Even when i did everything right things still went wrong. I too got retrenched in my first degree job. I was a new joiner when they decided to cut people off.”
Feeling Lost and Overwhelmed?
Facing setbacks like retrenchment, especially after dealing with personal loss like a parent’s passing, can lead to deep frustration and a sense of injustice. The process of job hunting adds another layer of stress. Many find interviewing particularly draining, feeling like they constantly have to ‘prove’ their worth, which can be demoralising when already feeling low. Comparing your journey to peers who seem to be cruising smoothly only adds to the feeling of being stuck or left behind, creating a cycle of stress and self-doubt.
“I totally understand how much you hate interviewing. It’s like always having to put yourself out there to “prove” your worth :(“
“I asked myself what for do i work so hard where i neglected my own dad?”
Steps to Bounce Back Stronger
When life throws these curveballs, the first step is self-compassion. Allow yourself time to grieve the loss – whether it’s a job, a person, or the future you envisioned. Focus on what you can control. Prioritise activities that recharge you and connect with supportive friends. Practically, leverage your network. Ask former colleagues for LinkedIn recommendations and referrals – this can significantly help bypass initial screening hurdles. Remember, work isn’t everything; redefining success to include health, family, and well-being can create a more sustainable path forward. Jiayou!
“Take some time off. Do your favorite activities that you long want time for… Be nice to yourself.”
“Ask your colleagues to write LinkedIn recommendations for you, and tap into their network aggressively… Referrals and networking help you greatly with that.”
“But my focus now is my health and my family. I want to live my life with my wife and not be home angry everyday due to stressed from work…”
